One of the best sources for alluring exotic fragrance in spring and summer is Star Jasmine. Growing Star Jasmine takes a little effort, but the result will be well worth it. The versatile Star Jasmine can be grown up walls, pergolas, trailing along the ground and even grown in containers.
Planting Calendar
Star Jasmine can be planted anytime of the year, but ideally, it prefers warmer conditions. So the best time to plant it is spring (late September onwards), after the last frosts have gone.
Prepare
Position
Star Jasmine enjoys full sun but will tolerate a partially shaded position, with protection from frost and strong cold winds.
Soil
When planted into the ground Star Jasmine likes a free draining soil that is rich in organic matter. To improve the organic content in your soil, break up the soil and add Kings Compost and Kings Sheep Pellets then mix together well. When growing in containers, plant into Kings Container mix. This mix contains added water storage crystals and Saturaid, two products that help maintain moisture in the soil.
Plant
When planting into the ground, gently tap the plant out of its pot. Dig a hole twice the depth and width of the plants root ball. Mix Kings Compost into your existing soil at a 50/50 ratio, add Sheep Pellets and Kings General Garden Fertiliser, then mix together well. Back fill the hole with this soil, so that when planted the top of the plant’s roots sit level with the surrounding ground. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster. In heavier clay soils, where drainage is likely to be an issue, plant onto a raised mound and sprinkle Gypsum Clay Breaker into the bottom of the hole, this helps slowly condition the soil and help to break down the clay. When planting into containers plant into Kings Containers mix, as this has water retention crystals in it, which will help in keeping the soil moist. Firm the soil down gently and water in well with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Care
Watering
Water slowly allowing the water to sink down into the roots, rather than allowing it to run off the top of the soils surface. Add Saturaid into the soil at planting as this will help channel the water deep down into the root zone. Consider setting up an automatic watering system – these can be simple and inexpensive.
Feeding
Star Jasmine needs regular feeding throughout the growing season. Feed regularly with Kings General Garden fertiliser. In addition for strong healthy roots and plants liquid feed once a month with Aquaticus Organic Garden Booster.
Protecting
Protect from frost by covering with frost cloth.
Mulching
Mulch around the base of the plants (make sure that the mulch does not come into direct contact with the stem of the plant) with Living Earth More than Mulch. Mulching helps to reduce weeds as well as aiding the soil to retain moisture.
Spraying
Scale, aphid and caterpillar are the main pests that can affect Star Jasmine. Spray for prevention rather than cure for best results. Spray with Groventive Garden and Bio Neem mixed together.
Pruning
A light trim a couple of times a year can keep the plant looking tidy and a good prune after flowering will encourage a bushier plant and an abundance of flowers in the following season. If growing as a ground cover, prune any vertical growth.
General Care
When using sprays, chemicals or fertilisers always read the label and follow the instructions. Apply sprays in the evening to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Beginner Tip
During the colder months of the year Star Jasmine can take on a bronze red look to the leaves, this is normal and as the weather warms up and new growth sprouts they will be green.
Expert Tip
Star Jasmine can be trained into a bush or grown as a vine that can stretch to 3 – 4m. If growing as a vine, provide adequate support to assist the abundant growth. It can even be pinned to the ground and trained as a groundcover.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is eating the growth tip and flowers of my Star Jasmine?
When Star Jasmine is flowering there is a caterpillar called budworm that loves the taste of the flowers. The moth lays the eggs inside the flower bud and the caterpillar hatches and eats the flower from the inside out. This can be treated by spraying in the evening with Groventive Garden and Bioneem mixed together.
